Applications are now open to join other corn growers, staff and leaders during the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) annual Corn Congress event. The event will take place in Washington, D.C. and will provide an opportunity to advance your personal and professional leadership development and understanding of agricultural policy.

During the visit to our nation’s capital, Nebraska Corn Board Corn Congress Leadership Program participants will attend:

• NCGA’s Corn Congress: this is where attendees will gain an understanding of policy development of a national association, along with hearing updates from various action teams, committees and staff
• Capitol Hill Visits: this will provide attendees with direct access to Nebraska’s Congressional delegation staff where we outline our policy priorities
• Industry and Agency Visits: these meetings with key staff will provide an update on issues of importance to Nebraska corn farmers and attendees
• Other meetings may include the USDA, U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council and other agriculture associations

The Nebraska Corn Board (the state’s corn checkoff program) is providing funding to allow up to 10 agricultural leaders to attend the July 13-16, 2026, meetings. This program includes airfare, hotel, registration, transportation and most meals. You will be joining leaders and staff from the Nebraska Corn Board in addition to the Nebraska Corn Growers Association during the four days.

This event will allow those chosen to interact with nearly 200 farmers from across the U.S., agribusiness leaders from some of the leading agribusiness companies and other leaders from various state college and leadership development programs.

Those applying must be at least 18 years of age and have graduated from high school. Those chosen will be required to submit their expenses to the Nebraska Corn Board, along with a report of their observations from the various meetings.

The draft itinerary includes:

• Monday, July 13: flight to Washington D.C., attendance of action team/committee meetings (dependent on flights), dinner and monument tour
• Tuesday, July 14: tour of the Delmarva Region, evening activity with other states
• Wednesday, July 15: NCGA’s Corn Congress and additional meetings
• Thursday, July 16: Capitol Hill Visits and flights home
  
  The following application and resume must be submitted by May 8, 2026. Questions can be directed to Jill Bookhout at the Nebraska Corn Board office at Jill.Bookhout@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2676.